Mounting strip for flexible sheet material

ABSTRACT

A mounting strip for flexible sheet material, such as clothbacked vinyl sheets which are used to cover the tops and body panels of automobiles. The strip is secured to the automobile body by rivets to extend about the top or a panel to hold the edges of a vinyl sheet covering the top or panel. The mounting strip is an extruded aluminum member having a cross section suggestive of a bird with its wings outspread. A central pedestal upstands from the automobile body and the outstretched wing portions extend from each side of the pedestal to form continuous sockets underneath them. The edge portion of a vinyl sheet which covers a top or panel is folded and the fold is fitted into an adjacent socket of the mounting strip. The vinyl sheet is then locked to the mounting strip by tucking a spline into the socket. The vinyl sheet is then lapped over the mounting strip, covering the rivets, and fitted and locked in place by a spline.

United States Patent Bernstein 1 July 22, 1975 [76] Inventor: Joseph D. Bernstein, 1361 S.

Broadway, Denver, Colo. 80210 [22] Filed: Jan. 14, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 432,875

[52] US. Cl. 52/222; 52/273; 52/716; 160/395 [51] Int. Cl E04b l/00; E04b l/347 [58} Field of Search 52/716-718,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,819,270 8/1931 Shakespeare 52/420 2,100,958 11/1937 Honigmann ct a1. 52/396 2,329,561 9/1943 Shuttleworth 52/222 2,496,910 2/1950 Fridolph 52/716 2,526,912 10/1950 Swanson 160/392 3,165,110 l/1965 Brooks 52/222 3,323,819 6/1967 Barker 160/392 3,775,926 12/1973 Brown et a1. 52/717 3,811,454 5/1974 Huddle 160/395 Primary ExaminerErnest R. Purser Assistant Examiner-James L. Ridgill, Jr.

Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Van Valkenburgh, Lowe & Law

[57] ABSTRACT A mounting strip for flexible sheet material, such as cloth-backed vinyl sheets which are used to cover the tops and body panels of automobiles. The strip is secured to the automobile body by rivets to extend about the top or a panel to hold the edges of a vinyl sheet covering the top or panel. The mounting strip is an extruded aluminum member having a cross section suggestive of a bird with its wings outspread. A central pedestal upstands from the automobile body and the outstretched wing portions extend from each side of the pedestal to form continuous sockets underneath them. The edge portion of a vinyl sheet which covers a top or panel is folded and the fold is fitted into an adjacent socket of the mounting strip. The vinyl sheet is then looked to the mounting strip by tucking a spline into the socket. The vinyl sheet is then lapped over the mounting strip, covering the rivets, and fitted and locked in place by a spline.

15 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJUL22 ms 3.895468 SHEET 1 II II 1717 0' lllliifi MOUNTING STRIP FOR FLEXIBLE SHEET MATERIAL The present invention relates to a mounting strip for holding the edges of a pliable, flexible sheet which covers a backing surface, and more particularly to a mounting strip for holding the edges of a vinyl sheet which covers the top or a panel of the body of an automobile. The invention will be hereinafter described in connection with this particular use, although it is to be understood that the invention may be used for other purposes.

The pliable, flexible vinyl sheet material with which the present invention is concerned and which is hereinafter sometimes referred to as a vinyl sheet and sometimes as a sheet, is a laminate formed by a pliable vinyl outer layer carried upon a backing of a suitable cloth of cotton, nylon or like fabric. The material is of moderate thickness, between and 40 mils, and has been developed to the point where it is very tough, substantially weatherproof and has a long life. It is neat appearing and is available in various colors and various surface textures. Because of these desirable properties, this vinyl sheet material is being used extensively to cover the tops and panels of the bodies of automobiles, not only for decorative, but also for utilitarian purposes.

It is a common practice to fit a vinyl sheet over a panel of an automobile body, hold the sheet in place with selected adhesives especially at the edge portions of the panel, and then trim the edges of the sheet to fit the panel. A final step is to apply decorative edging strips about the panel to overlay or lap the trimmed edges of the vinyl sheet. Such an edging strip is held in place with cement or fasteners, and since the strips are to be decorative as well as necessary, they sometimes come as two different components, a base strip or base connectors, which are secured in position to the body of the automobile, as with rivets or the like to also hold the vinyl sheet in place, and a cover strip, which is snapped upon the base strip or connectors.

These edging strips are ordinarily made of extruded aluminum, or like material, and may be chrome plated or colored. Because these edging strips are often too garish when chrome plated, or clash with the color of the automobile when colored, it becomes desirable to soften the overall appearance of the covering by having edging strips colored the same as the vinyl sheet and preferably, even have a thin coating of vinyl material over the edging strip which matches the cover. Regardless of the type used, the edging strips are not entirely satisfactory because they may be expensive and hard to install. It has also been found that conventional edging strips are not completely satisfactory because they are not effective in restraining the vinyl sheet against shrinkage, pulling or creeping.

The present invention was conceived and developed with the above and other factors in view and comprises, in essence, a mounting strip which is arranged with overhanging, winglike portions at each side of the strip. When the mounting strip is in place, the wing-like portions form continuous sockets, an edge of a vinyl sheet may be folded, fitted and secured in the socket adjacent to the sheet. Thence, the edge of the vinyl sheet is lapped over the strip and folded, fitted and secured into the socket underneath the other wing-like portion. The sheet is then trimmed or extended to cover another panel, all as hereinafter set forth in detail.

It follows that an object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved mounting strip which is especially useful for securing the edges of vinyl sheets or like sheet material against a surface such as the top or a panel of the body of an automobile.

Another object of the invention is to provide novel and improved mounting strips for holding the edges of a vinyl sheet, or the like, covering and finishing a panel or top of an automobile body, which permits a neat appearing covering and finishing operation to proceed in a quick, easy manner and by unskilled workmen who require a minimum amount of instruction.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved mounting strip for holding the edge of a flexible vinyl sheet, or the like, upon a panel or top of an automobile body, which is a low cost item, consisting of no more than a simple aluminum extrusion secured to the edges of the panel and which will hold the edge of a sheet securely in position against considerable forces such as occur when the vinyl sheet shrinks, pulls or creeps.

Yet other objects of the invention are to provide a novel and improved mounting strip for securing the edge of a flexible sheet of vinyl or the like in place on a panel or top of an automobile body, which is versatile in the manner in which it may be applied, and which is especially neat appearing and decorative, concealing all fastening devices holding the strip in place.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, all of which will more fully hereinafter appear, my invention comprises certain constructions, combinations and arrangements of parts and elements as hereinafter described, defined in the appended claims and illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view looking down onto the rear of an automobile to show the top and other panel sections of the body of the automobile, with the top and certain adjacent panel sections being covered with vinyl sheets, and showing also, an arrangement of mounting strips to hold the vinyl sheets in place according to the principles of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary sectional detail as taken from the indicated line 2-2 at FIG. 1, but on a greatly enlarged scale and in a somewhat diagrammatic manner, to illustrate an arrangement where a mounting strip holds the edge of a vinyl sheet;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional detail as taken from the indicated line 3-3 at FIG. 1, but on a greatly enlarged scale and in a somewhat diagrammatic manner to illustrate an arrangement of a vinyl sheet covering one panel, having one edge secured to a mounting strip and extending therefrom and covering an adjacent panel;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary isometric view of a mounting strip secured to a flat panel of sheet metal such as might be a panel or top of an automobile body;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary isometric view of the end of a mounting strip such as shown at FIG. 4, to illustrate the use of a connector bar to join one mounting strip to another",

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a fragment of a panel showing the ends of two mounting strips coming together at right angles to each other to form a corner of a panel, with these strips being covered with a vinyl sheet, and with a corner cap overlying the vinyl sheet, the figure also indicating in dotted lines, the shape of the cap before it is fitted upon the strip;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary isometric view similar to FIG. 4 but on a somewhat enlarged scale and illustrating the manner of securing a vinyl sheet onto the mounting strip, by using a simple tool to effect the installation of a locking spline;

FIGS. 8, 9, l and 1 l are isometric views of different constructions of splines for locking the edge of a vinyl sheet into the mounting strip;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to FIG. 2 but illustrating a modified construction of a mounting strip to include a resilient head thereon which is especially useful for installations where the strip is apt to be bumped or struck;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary sectional view, similar to FIG. 2 but illustrating the manner in which two vinyl sheets may be attached to the mounting strip; and

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary sectional view, similar to FIG. 2 but illustrating the manner in which a ribbon of vinyl may over-lie the vinyl sheet at the mounting strip.

In finishing off an automobile A such as shown at FIG. 1, it becomes desirable to cover the top T and the side and rear body panels P of the automobile with vinyl sheets V. The vinyl sheet material, which is in the range of 0.010 to 0.040 inch thick as heretofore indicated, is an ideal material for this purpose because the sheets are pliable, tough and are capable of being fitted upon curved and warped surfaces. Once in place, the vinyl sheets will lie smoothly against the various surfaces of an automobile body.

As heretofore mentioned, vinyl sheets have been improved and developed to such a degree that they will resist weather for long periods of time and also, they may be formed with any type of a textured surface and practically any color. Thus, when a top T or panel P of an automobile is covered with a vinyl sheet V, the resulting cover is both protective and decorative.

Referring more particularly to the drawing, the improved mounting strips S are secured to the body of the automobile about the boundary edges of the top T and other panel P. Thus, all edges of a vinyl sheet V covering the top, or a panel, will be held by the mounting strips S. The vinyl sheet V may be terminated at a mounting strip S as illustrated at FIG. 2. Also, a sheet V may be extended from one panel section or top T, to another panel section with a mounting strip S being between the sections securing the sheet in place, as illustrated at FIG. 3. Also, two vinyl sheets V and V may be attached to a common mounting strip S in various ways, such as illustrated at FIG. 13. Also, a ribbon may overlie the mounting strip which connects with two sheets as illustrated at FIG. 14, all as hereinafter further described.

The improved mounting strip S, shown in section at FIGS. 2, 3, l3 and 14, and in perspective at FIGS. 4, 5 and 7, is formed as an extruded, continuous strip of constant cross section. In section, the shape of the strip is suggestive of a bird with outwardly extended, slightly drooping wings. The strip includes a central pedestal 20 which upstands from the surface of an automobile panel P when mounted in place as illustrated. A wing 21 extends outwardly from each side of the pedestal 20 to overhang the panel surface P. The outward tip 22 of each wing is downturned to provide a continuous socket 23 underneath the wing with a narrower, slot like opening 24 between the wing tip 22 and the surface of the panel P. This opening 24 is proportioned to receive a folded edge of a vinyl sheet V which locks into the socket 23 as will be described.

In section, the lower portion of the pedestal 20 is formed as two legs 25 which are spread apart to form a continuous channel 26 along the bottom edge of the pedestal. In section, top surfaces 27 of the opposing wings 21 of the mounting strip are generally arcuate on a common curve, turning downwardly at each edge so that the strip, when covered with a vinyl sheet. produces a finished, neat appearing, arched molding. In section, the top of the strip S is notched to form a continuous, comparatively shallow channel 28 to receive and recess the heads of rivets which mount the strip S to a panel P. In section, the central portion of the floor of this channel 28 is formed with a flat, triangular notch 29 to facilitate centering a drill for drilling holes at any selected location in the strip as hereinafter described. A variation of construction is possible by eliminating the channel 28 and instead, providing suitable spaced holes with countersinks along the reach of the channel to receive connective rivets.

The width and height of this mounting strip S may vary, provided that the slot opening 24 and socket 23 underneath each wing 21 are properly proportioned to receive and hold the edge of a vinyl sheet V. A strip S, slightly wider than five-eighths inch and slightly taller than one-fourth inch, is quite satisfactory for the purpose at hand. Preferably, the strip is formed as an extrusion of soft aluminum. Aluminum is a desirable material because it is quite ductile and can be easily bent to fit curves at panel edges. Although aluminum is the preferable material from the standpoint of cost, durability and performance, the strip S could be formed of other metals and even of rigid plastic material and thus, the selection of material is not a critical feature of the present invention.

This strip S is secured to a metal sheet 30, such as a top T or panel P of an automobile body, by any suitable type of fasteners such as sheet metal screws or rivets. It has been found that common pop rivets 31 are preferable. Such rivets are Cheap, quick and easy to apply, and also, provide for a rigid connection of the strip S to the metal sheet 31 forming a panel P of the automobile body. Various techniques may be used to apply a strip S to an automobile body. For example, once a strip S is properly positioned on the metal sheet 30 of the automobile body, as at an edge of a panel P, and then held thereon in any suitable manner as by clamps, not shown, a series of holes 32 may be drilled through the strip S and through the metal sheet 30 at selected spacings along the reach of the strip. This is a quick, easy operation and the holes 32 are drilled through the strip S and the panel P as a single operation and they will be in perfect registration. A pop rivet 31 is then inserted into each hole 32 and locked in place by pulling the expanding head of the rivet in a conventional manner.

The spacing of the rivets 31 along the reach of a mounting strip S will be selected according to the judgment of the installer, but a rivet must be near each end of the strip. Preferably, a single mounting strip S will be used along each edge of a panel. However, when it is necessary to abut the ends of two strips at an edge of a panel, no problem is created for it was found the strips could be easily aligned. If difficulties are encountered, a short connector bar 33, which fits into the channel 26 at the base of the pedestal of a mounting strip, may be used to hold two abutting strips S in alignment. The connection of mounting strips at a corner will not ordinarily present a problem. Where mounting strips come together as at the corner of a panel, it is usually satisfactory to abut the two strips S together with a mitered corner fit. If difficulties are encountered, a short angled connector bar similar to the connector bar 33, may be fitted into the channels 26 to hold the strips in place at the corners.

The affixing of a vinyl sheet V to a mounting strip S, once the mounting strip has been secured in place as at the edge of a panel P, follows a simple, easy procedure, one step of which is suggested at FIG. 7. First, a vinyl sheet V is cut to size to overlie a panel P or top T with an excess of material at the edges of the sheet being sufficient to lap over the mounting strips S at all sides of the panel, the excess being an inch or so beyond the strip. The next step of this mounting operation may be to apply adhesive to the surface of the automobile body panel P, or top, at various locations on the panel including concave surfaces, and also, a ribbon of such adhesive adjacent to the strip S. Preferably, the adhesive is a high quality contact cement, but it may be of any other type found to be suitable and available for the purpose at hand. Actually, the adhesive may even be omitted, but it is desirable to assure good workmanship.

Next, the vinyl sheet V is placed in position over the panel P, or top, and smoothly extended in all directions toward the edges of the panel, including the edge where the mounting strip S is located. When the vinyl sheet V is in place, the edge of the sheet will lap over the mounting strip S. It is then pressed against the top or panel surface to be secured to the adhesive ribbon 35 and at the same time, the sheet is folded and this fold is carefully tucked under the slot 24 and into the socket 23 at the side of the strip adjacent to the sheet. Next, a spline 36, a ribbon or cord of selected material, hereinafter further described, is forced through the slot 24 and into the fold of the vinyl sheet V. The sheet is thus expanded within the socket 23 by the spline 36 with the spline 36 locking the edge of the sheet into the socket 23. A fiat, square-edge caulking tool 37, such as illustrated at FIG. 7, will be used to facilitate tucking the vinyl sheet and spline 36 into the socket 23.

The edge of the vinyl sheet, at the edge of the lock strip, is then lapped over the top surface 27 of the mounting strip to form a neat appearing, finished bead with the vinyl sheet edge extended to the side of the mounting strip S opposite to the panel covered by the sheet. This edge of the vinyl sheet V is then folded and tucked into the opposite socket 23. A spline 36 is then forced into this opposite socket 23 to expand the fold of the vinyl sheet into this socket to complete the connection of the vinyl sheet onto the mounting strip. When thus securely locked upon the mounting strip, the remainder of the edge portion of the vinyl sheet V, extending beyond the socket 23 at the side of the strip opposite to the panel, is trimmed by cutting it away to a finished edge 38 at the edge of the mounting strip S, as shown at FIG. 2.

In an actual installation, mounting strips S will extend around the periphery of a panel, or top, of an automobile body and the connection of the vinyl sheet V, as described, will be at all edges in what will be, essentially, a single operation. The corners of a panel, where mounting strips join with a mitered fit, will require a special fitting operation and covering with a cap, as hereinafter further described. The edges of a panel or top may be curved or contoured and a mounting strip S of aluminum can be likewise curved or contoured to precisely and neatly follow the edge pattern and at the same time, receive and hold a vinyl sheet without wrinkling. The final result is a smooth, neat appearing molding at an edge of a vinyl sheet-covered panel or top of an automobile.

A number of variations to this basic construction, above described, are possible. For example, the same vinyl sheet V may be used to cover two panels of an automobile body such as the top and a side panel, with the edging between the panels consisting of a mounting strip S as illustrated at FIG. 3. The procedure for applying the vinyl'sheet to this intermediate edging strip is essentially the same as that heretofore described; however, the vinyl sheet is cut large enough to lap both panels with an excess of an inch or so, to also be folded underneath the intermediate mounting strip S. Accordingly, after the mounting strips for the two panels are affixed to the metal sheet 30 forming the body of the automobile, one of the panels may be covered and secured in its mounting strips with the portion of the vinyl sheet overlying the other panel being secured to the intermediate mounting strip as heretofore described, excepting that the trimming operation to provide an edge 38, shown at FIG. 2, is omitted. The vinyl sheet overlying the second panel is then applied to complete the installation.

It is also possible to connect two vinyl sheets in adjacent panels to their common mounting strip S as in the manner illustrated at FIGS. 13 or 14. Referring first to the arrangement shown at FIG. 13, where two vinyl sheets V and V cover adjacent panels, a common connector strip S can be used for both. When arranged in this manner, both vinyl sheets may be fitted over their respective panels and attached to their peripheral cover strips but with the vinyl sheets V and V being fitted to the common connector strip in their respective adjacent sockets 23. The vinyl sheet V is fitted into its adjacent socket 23, as heretofore described, but the edge portion projecting from this socket is then trimmed as at 40. The other sheet, the vinyl sheet V, is fitted into its adjacent socket 23 and secured in place by a spline 36 as heretofore described. This edge portion of the vinyl sheet V is lapped over the top surface of the connector strip and also fitted into the opposite socket 23, within the lap of the edge portion of the vinyl sheet V. A spline 36 which may be smaller than the spline 36, heretofore described, is then fitted into this socket to hold both vinyl sheets in place.

In the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 14, two vinyl sheets V and V extend to a common mounting strip. The edge of each strip is fitted into its respective adjacent socket 23 of the mounting strip. In each instance, however, the edge of the vinyl sheet is trimmed at the side of the mounting strip, as at 40, so that it does not project from the mounting strip. A ribbon overlay 41 of vinyl or any similar flexible material of a suitable width is then lapped over the top of the connector strip with each edge fitting into a socket 23, within the fold of the vinyl strip V or V. This ribbon may be a cut vinyl sheet or it may be a plastic extrusion. Splines 36 are then fitted into the socket within the embrace of the vinyl sheets and the ribbon 41, to secure the same in place. It is to be noted that with this arrangement, a ribbon may be provided having a color either the same or different from the color of the vinyl sheets, depending upon the contrast of appearance desired. It is also to be noted that the ribbon may be provided with a piping at its edges which can be proportioned to function in lieu of the splines 36. Such piping, not shown, may be sewn into the ribbon or it may be formed as part of the ribbon if the ribbon is of extruded material.

The formation of a mitered corner illustrated at FIG. 6, also uses an overlay to supplement the vinyl sheet V extended about the mounting strip. Where a vinyl sheet V covering a panel meets a corner, either an inside corner or an outside corner, it is necessary to cut and trim this vinyl sheet at the corner because the overlapping of the edge portions of the sheet, over the two mounting strips, extend in different directions. Where an inside or outside corner is formed, a portion of the mounting strips at the miter will be exposed because a cut of the vinyl sheet is necessary at this point and the cut will spread apart when the vinyl sheet is folded underneath the mounting strips into the sockets 23 before lapping over the strips. Accordingly, an overlay corner cap 42 is necessary to finish off the corner. Preferably, this corner cap will cover an inch or so of each mounting strip and is formed generally as a square or rectangular figure having a width, in each direction, sufficient to fold into sockets 23 underneath each side of each mounting strip. The outline of a suitable corner cap is illustrated at FIG. 6 in broken lines. The inner portion of the corner cap will be notched, as at 43, with a bevel cut 44 extending to the crotch of the miter edge of the unit. The opposite outer edge of the corner cap will be trimmed with chamfer cuts 45 so that both sides may be tucked underneath their respective mounting strip wings to fit into the sockets 23 without interfering with each other.

It is essential to lock a vinyl sheet into a socket 23 of the mounting strip S with a suitable spline 36 which prevents the vinyl sheet therein from being pulled out of the socket. The spline 36 must expand in some manner when it is set within the socket 23 and after it is forced into the socket through the slot 24 at the lateral edge of the mounting strip. The spline may thus be formed in various ways as illustrated at FIGS. 8-11. A preferred type of spline 36 is a simple, compressed paper or compressed cellulose cord 36a, as shown at FIG. 8. Such paper cords are common to the industry for tying purposes where a long life and high strength is not required for a characteristic of such cords is that they will loosen and expand considerably when wetted. Accordingly, a spline of a paper cord is forced into each socket as the vinyl sheet is being mounted in its place. After it is so mounted, the cord may be wetted as by applying water to the surface of the vinyl sheet, as with a sponge. As subsequent resulting expansion of the cord then secures it tightly in place.

The spline 36 may also be a small, rubber tube 36b as illustrated at FIG. 9. The tube is forced into place by being flattened as it moves under the slot 24, and the subsequent expansion fills the socket 23. The spline 36 may also be of a rigid form such as a T-bar 36c illustrated at FIG. 10 and illustrated in place at FIG. 12. I

socket 23a. Even though the T-bar is of comparatively rigid material, the installation of the same is permitted by the natural flexure of the metal sheet 30 and of the mounting strip S and also, by a small elastic stretching of the rivets 31 whenever pressure is applied at one side of the mounting strip to push the spline in place.

The spline 36d, shown at FIG. 11, illustrates another type, a rubber spline which is formed as a blunt wedge having a longitudinal slot 46 at one side which may be fitted into the leading edge of a caulking tool to facilitate being pressed into place underneath the slot 24 and permit it to expand into the socket 23 once it is fitted into placc. This spline is also formed with longitudinal ridges 46a at its outer surfaces to better lock it into place.

The arrangement shown at FIG. 12 is similar to that shown at FIG. 2, but with a modified mounting strip S which is identical to the mounting strip heretofore described, excepting that the top surfaces 47 of each wing are straight, inclined and merge into a resilient bumper 48. The bumper 48 is an elongated strip of selected rubber secured to the top of the channel portion 28' of the mounting strip S, as by ways 49 at each side of the channel 28' fitting into grooves 50 of the bumper. This unit is especially useful at the side portions of an automobile which are apt to be accidentally struck or bumped when the automobile is being used. A variation of the construction illustrated is possible where a ribbon, such as ribbon 41 of FIG. 14, is used with the bumper shown at FIG. 12, in that the bumper 48 and the ribbon 40 may be integral and manufactured as a onepiece extrusion. Such is not shown, but the same will be apparent to a skilled artisan.

FIG. 12 also illustrates the use of a sealant 51 to close off the openings 24 under each wing 21 of the mounting strip. Such a sealant may be a wax or a settable resin, as desired, to effectively protect the splines underneath the mounting strip.

I have now described my invention in considerable detail. However, it is obvious that others skilled in the art can build and devise alternate and equivalent constructions which are nevertheless within the spirit and scope of my invention. Hence, I desire that my protection be limited not by the constructions illustrated and described, but only by the proper scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An edging strip mounted upon a rigid body surface and comprising, in combination therewith:

a. an elongated rigid member of uniform cross section having a central pedestal connected to and upstanding from the body surface, a lateral wing spaced above the body surface at each side of the pedestal which extends outwardly and downwardly with the extended tip of each wing being downturned toward and terminating closely to the body surface whereby to form a socket at each side of the pedestal between the strip and the body surface with a slot-like opening below the tip; and

b. a flexible sheet having a ribbon portion overlying said rigid member to cover the same, said sheet being turned downwardly at each side of the member lying against the body surface and with each side of the sheet being folded at the body surface with the fold tucked into the adjacent wing socket and wherein each wing of said rigid member arches downwardly and outwardly providing a generally arched top surface against which the flexible sheet lies.

2. The edging strip defined in claim 1, wherein:

said flexible sheet is formed as a strip of fabric having a width slightly greater than the width of the rigid member and sufficient to permit a portion at each edge of the fabric to be folded and tucked underneath a wing of the rigid member, with the edge portion of the fabric lying against the body surface.

3. The edging strip defined in claim 1, wherein:

said flexible sheet extends laterally from a side of the underfold portion fitted underneath a wing to overlie the rigid body surface adjacent to the strip.

4. In the organization defined in claim 1, including:

a longitudinal V-notch at the top of the strip above the pedestal to facilitate centering a drill therein for drilling holes through the pedestal thereof.

5. The combination defined in claim 1, including:

a central longitudinal channel at the top of said rigid member, and

a resilient bumper strip in the channel and outstanding from the center of the strip.

6. The combination defined in claim 1, including:

a longitudinally extended channel at the bottom of the central pedestal adapted to receive and hold a connector bar to facilitate abutting two strips together when being mounted upon the body surface of a vehicle.

7. In the combination defined in claim 1, including:

a longitudinal channel at the crown of the strip above the pedestal to receive the heads of rivet-like fasteners adapted to secure the mounting strip to the body surface of a vehicle.

8. In the combination defined in claim 7, including:

a longitudinal V-notch at the center of the said channel adapted to facilitate centering a drill therein for drilling holes through the pedestal of the mounting strip and through the body surface for fastening the same to the body surface as with rivets.

9. In the combination defined in claim 8, including in combination therewith:

the body surface of a vehicle to which the mounting strip is connected and rivets extending through holes drilled into the connecting strip and through the body surface securing the mounting strip to the body surface.

10. In the combination defined in claim 1 including:

a spline tucked into the fold of the flexible sheet in each socket.

11. In the organization defined in claim 6 wherein:

said spline is a compressed paper cord adapted to expand when wetted.

12. In the organization defined in claim 10 wherein:

the spline is a resilient tube adapted to be compressed when being fitted into a socket by pushing the same underneath the slot-like opening of the socket.

13. In the organization defined in claim 10 wherein:

the spline is a T-shaped bar adapted to be pushed underneath the slot-like opening and into the socket to secure the sheet material in place.

14. In the organization defined in claim 10 wherein:

the spline is U-shaped and flared in section and is pushed into the fold of the flexible sheet material underneath the slot-like opening and into the socket to secure the sheet-like material into place.

15. In the organization defined in claim 14 wherein:

small ridges are provided at the outer faces of the spline to better lock within the socket.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,895,468 Dated July 22, 1975 Inventofls) Joseph Di Bernstein It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

CLAIM ll, Column 10', line 15, "6" h ld re d Signed and Scaled this thirtieth a Q {SE-AL] D y f September1975 RUTH C. MASON C. MARSHALL DANN Alrestmg Officer nmmissium'r vj larc'nls and Trudcmurkx FORM PO-1050(!D-69) USCOMM-DC 60376-P69 u.s. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 

1. An edging strip mounted upon a rigid body surface and comprising, in combination therewith: a. an elongated rigid member of uniform cross section having a central pedestal connected to and upstanding from the body surface, a lateral wing spaced above the body surface at each side of the pedestal which extends outwardly and downwardly with the extended tip of each wing being downturned toward and terminating closely to the body surface whereby to form a socket at each side of the pedestal between the strip and the body surface with a slot-like opening below the tip; and b. a flexible sheet having a ribbon portion overlying said rigid member to cover the same, said sheet being turned downwardly at each side of the member lying against the body surface and with each side of the sheet being folded at the body surface with the fold tucked into the adjacent wing socket and wherein each wing of said rigid member arches downwardly and outwardly providing a generally arched top surface against which the flexible sheet lies.
 2. The edging strip defined in claim 1, wherein: said flexible sheet is formed as a strip of fabric having a width slightly greater than the width of the rigid member and sufficient to permit a portion at each edge of the fabric to be folded and tucked underneath a wing of the rigid member, with the edge portion of the fabric lying against the body surface.
 3. The edging strip defined in claim 1, wherein: said flexible sheet extends laterally from a side of the underfold portion fitted underneath a wing to overlie the rigid body surface adjacent to the strip.
 4. In the organization defined in claim 1, including: a longitudinal V-notch at the top of the strip above the pedestal to facilitate centering a drill therein for drilling holes through the pedestal thereof.
 5. The combination defined in claim 1, including: a central longitudinal channel at the top of said rigid member, and a resilient bumper strip in the channel and outstanding from the center of the strip.
 6. The combination defined in claim 1, including: a longitudinally extended channel at the bottom of the central pedestal adapted to receive and hold a connector bar to facilitate abutting two strips together when being mounted upon the body surface of a vehicle.
 7. In the combination defined in claim 1, including: a longitudinal channel at the crown of the strip above the pedestal to receive the heads of rivet-like fasteners adapted to secure the mounting strip to the body surface of a vehicle.
 8. In the combination defined in claim 7, including: a longitudinal V-notch at the center of the said channel adapted to facilitate centering a drill therein for drilling holes through the pedestal of the mounting strip and through the body surface for fastening the same to the body surface aS with rivets.
 9. In the combination defined in claim 8, including in combination therewith: the body surface of a vehicle to which the mounting strip is connected and rivets extending through holes drilled into the connecting strip and through the body surface securing the mounting strip to the body surface.
 10. In the combination defined in claim 1 including: a spline tucked into the fold of the flexible sheet in each socket.
 11. In the organization defined in claim 6 wherein: said spline is a compressed paper cord adapted to expand when wetted.
 12. In the organization defined in claim 10 wherein: the spline is a resilient tube adapted to be compressed when being fitted into a socket by pushing the same underneath the slot-like opening of the socket.
 13. In the organization defined in claim 10 wherein: the spline is a T-shaped bar adapted to be pushed underneath the slot-like opening and into the socket to secure the sheet material in place.
 14. In the organization defined in claim 10 wherein: the spline is U-shaped and flared in section and is pushed into the fold of the flexible sheet material underneath the slot-like opening and into the socket to secure the sheet-like material into place.
 15. In the organization defined in claim 14 wherein: small ridges are provided at the outer faces of the spline to better lock within the socket. 